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Amber Heard can’t afford to pay Johnny Depp $10.4m, as she plans her appeal

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Just when you thought the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard saga had been laid to rest, Heard has decided to appeal the decision

Millions waited with bated breath as the jury ruled in Depp’s favour awarding him $15 million in damages.

Now, Heard is “absolutely” appealing the decision.

Her lawyers say she has “excellent ground” to do so.

Heard’s main attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, says the “pro-Depp” social media wrath influenced the jury’s decision.

She also claims the TV broadcast of the trial “made it a zoo”.

“So not only did we have a group of Depp fans that were there every day — 100 were allowed in, they lined up at 1 o’clock in the morning for their wristbands to be in that courtroom — but we had everything on camera, and we had tremendous social media that was very, very, very much against Amber.”

Although the jury was told repeatedly not to read anything about the case, they have weekends, they have families, they have social media. How could they not have been influenced?”

Elaine Bredehoft

Heard’s lawyers also claim important evidence including medical records was suppressed by Depp’s team.

They claim Heard has been wrongly done by and will now plan the appeal process.

In the verdict from Virginia, the jury found that Depp also defamed Heard when his previous lawyers labeled Heard’s claims a hoax, with the jury awarding her $2 million.

This means that Heard still owes Depp a sum of $10.4 million.

When asked about whether Heard can pay the millions in damages she now owes Depp, Bredehoft responded saying “absolutely not.”

Back in 2020, Depp previously lost a similar trial against Heard in the UK, where he was accused of assaulting Heard.

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Pope Leo XIV addresses Gaza crisis during Christmas Mass

Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza humanitarian crisis during first Christmas Mass, urging dialogue and addressing severe conditions for displaced Palestinians

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Pope Leo XIV highlights Gaza humanitarian crisis during the first Christmas Mass, urging dialogue and addressing severe conditions for displaced Palestinians

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In Short:
– Pope Leo XIV urged awareness of the Gaza crisis and the hardships faced by Palestinians during his Christmas Mass.
– He expressed concern for global homelessness and called for dialogue as essential for achieving peace.

Pope Leo XIV used his first Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica to deliver a powerful and deeply human message, placing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at the centre of his inaugural Christmas address. Drawing on the story of Jesus’ birth, the pontiff made a stark comparison to the lives of displaced Palestinians, asking how the world could ignore families living in tents, exposed to weeks of rain, wind and cold. His remarks set an early tone for his papacy — one grounded in compassion, moral urgency and advocacy for those caught in conflict.

Massive shortfall

The Pope’s comments come as conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate sharply. An estimated 1.3 million Palestinians are in urgent need of shelter this winter, with recent storms destroying approximately 110,000 tents. Humanitarian organisations report deaths due to exposure among vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly. The Norwegian Refugee Council says just 15,600 tents have been delivered so far, leaving a massive shortfall, while restrictions on the entry of shelter materials have compounded the crisis and intensified suffering across the region.

Beyond Gaza, Leo widened his message to condemn the broader toll of war, speaking of the “fragile flesh of defenceless populations” harmed by global conflicts. He criticised those who send young soldiers into battle and stressed that peace can only be achieved through dialogue, not entrenched monologues. “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted,” he said, urging leaders to recognise the humanity of the other. His upcoming Urbi et Orbi blessing is expected to address multiple global crises, reinforcing his diplomatic approach and his call for peace, solidarity and human dignity.


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Bondi terror attack: Months of planning, extremist videos and a deadly plot exposed

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Newly released court documents have revealed chilling details about the Bondi terror attack, marking one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades. Father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly spent months meticulously planning the assault, targeting the “Chanukah by the Sea” festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Police say the pair rehearsed tactics, filmed extremist propaganda, and prepared multiple improvised explosive devices long before the attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.

Investigators allege the attack began with the men throwing four improvised bombs into a crowded festival of over 1,000 attendees. The devices, including pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” packed with shrapnel, failed to detonate, but authorities have described them as “viable” IEDs. Moments later, the Akrams opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the festival, creating a scene of chaos and tragedy. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and worshippers who attempted to confront the gunmen.

Court documents also reveal months of preparation, including firearms training in rural New South Wales. The pair was captured on video handling long-barrelled shotguns, moving tactically, and simulating an assault scenario. Additional footage shows the men seated in front of an Islamic State flag, guns and ammunition visible, as Naveed recites passages from the Quran and then outlines the ideological motivations behind the planned Bondi attack. Authorities say these materials demonstrate a pattern of premeditation and adherence to extremist ideology.

Overseas Islamist networks

Investigators also point to digital evidence recovered from Naveed’s phone, which includes a manifesto and detailed plans for the attack. Police allege the pair’s earlier month-long trip to the southern Philippines may have included contacts with overseas Islamist networks. Intelligence agencies previously reviewed Naveed for potential radicalisation in 2019, but concluded he did not pose a threat. Sajid Akram, meanwhile, legally owned six rifles and shotguns that were later used in the attack.

The human toll of the attack has had lasting impacts on the community. Survivors and witnesses recall the terror of that day as families gathered in celebration. Lawmakers have responded with urgency, including NSW Premier Chris Minns fast-tracked reforms to tighten firearm laws, ban public displays of terrorist symbols, and expand police powers. At a national level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured agreement from state and territory leaders to review and strengthen post-Port Arthur gun laws and introduce measures targeting extremist propaganda and hate speech.

The Bondi terror attack stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extremist planning and the importance of vigilant intelligence and community safety measures. While court proceedings continue, the public response underscores the shared grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia border

China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia amidst ongoing tensions and lack of arms control talks with the US

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China deploys over 100 ICBMs near Mongolia amidst ongoing tensions and lack of arms control talks with the US

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In Short:
– China has deployed over 100 ICBMs in new silos near Mongolia, marking a significant nuclear expansion.
– Beijing aims to enhance military strategies for Taiwan by 2027, potentially affecting U.S. operations in the region.

China has deployed over 100 solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in newly constructed silo fields near its border with Mongolia, according to a draft Pentagon report reviewed by Reuters.This marks the most significant nuclear expansion by Beijing to date. The United States indicates that China shows no intention of engaging in arms control negotiations, despite President Trump’s calls for denuclearization talks with both China and Russia.

The report states that the DF-31 missiles, which have a range of 7,000 to 11,700 kilometers, are positioned across three silo fields. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged these fields, this is the first confirmation of the number of deployed missiles.

China’s nuclear warhead stockpile was estimated at around 600 in 2024. The report projects an increase to over 1,000 warheads by 2030. It highlights a lack of willingness from Beijing to pursue arms control measures.

Beijing has dismissed such reports as attempts to discredit China and claims that it follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense with a no-first-use policy.

Forceful means

The Pentagon assessment indicates that China plans to be capable of fighting and winning a conflict over Taiwan by 2027. Beijing is reportedly enhancing military strategies to capture the island through forceful means.

These military strikes could potentially disrupt U.S. operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Neither the Pentagon nor China’s embassy in Washington responded to requests for comment. U.S. officials cautioned that the draft report could change before its formal submission to lawmakers.


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